For much of my children’s childhoods money was an issue. I was a single parent and though I earned a decent living, that income had to pay a mortgage for a home big enough to house us all. It had to feed, clothe, and educate three little people – oh, and me too! Can’t have a naked bookkeeper balancing your ledgers! We weren’t on the poverty line, by any means, but I had to be careful and plan for Christmas months in advance. That planning usually started in the post-Christmas sales!

Despite thinking about the next Christmas as soon as the current one was over, my gifts were rarely extravagant. I decided very early on in my parenting life that my children would benefit more from my spending time with them than spending money on them. Most of my gifts for each child centered around things we could do together or as a family. I made a lot of their gifts. Anything from writing and illustrating a story with them as the main character, to wooden toys, puzzles, and dress-up costumes complete with tiaras and capes! Continue reading Holiday Blog Event: Lily Velden – Christmas Decorations